They tend to get worse slowly over time if the prostate keeps growing. It’s important to understand which symptoms are linked to BPH and which may be caused by TRT. Because of this, some men wonder whether their symptoms are caused by BPH, by TRT, or by both.
Two common concerns are changes in PSA levels and prostate size. Getting help early can prevent problems and help doctors adjust treatment if needed. Any man who starts TRT and notices new or worsening urinary symptoms should talk to a healthcare provider.
When BPH causes your prostate to grow, it can cause blockage in your urethra. By age 60, about 50% of people with a prostate will have some signs of BPH. Almost all people with a prostate will develop some enlargement in their prostates as they grow older. If your prostate grows in size, it can prevent pee and ejaculate from passing through your urethra. Your prostate is a gland that rests below your bladder and in front of your rectum. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which your prostate grows in size. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
Based on current research, it is possible to take TRT and protect your prostate health at the same time. BPH is a common condition that causes the prostate to grow larger as men get older. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help men with low testosterone feel better. Working with both a primary care doctor and a urologist can help make sure that TRT helps the patient feel better without causing new prostate problems. There are small differences in how doctors in the U.S. and Europe may approach TRT. However, men with serious urinary symptoms should be treated for BPH first. Several medical groups have published expert recommendations on how and when TRT should be used, especially when the prostate is a concern.
TRT is usually not given to men who already have prostate cancer. However, newer research shows that TRT does not cause prostate cancer. BPH and prostate cancer both affect the prostate gland, which sits below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. But some people worry that TRT might hide or copy signs of prostate cancer.
DHT is a stronger form of testosterone that plays a role in prostate growth. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in prostate and urinary problems. Men who already have very severe BPH symptoms or extremely high PSA levels may need to delay or avoid TRT until their prostate is better managed.
Signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain control the production of testosterone in men. It is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. Learn all about the sex hormone here, including its primary benefits. There's more to testosterone than guys behaving badly.
The decision to proceed with TRT should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering individual risk factors and potential benefits. Monitoring PSA levels during TRT helps to detect any potential issues early on. PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. This typically includes a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). The complete inability to urinate also needs to be treated as a medical emergency. If you have fever or chills, or blood in your urine, you should see a doctor immediately. An enlarged prostate can pinch off the urethra and put pressure on the bladder, making urination difficult.